While everyone gets anxious at times, some people have severe episodes of anxiety that disrupt their lives. At Wiregrass Wellness Center in Dothan, AL, their psychiatrists treat a variety of disorders and are very familiar with the presentation of anxiety episodes in their patients. Below are just a few of characteristics of major anxiety disorders and the symptoms associated with them.

There are three main types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Individuals with this mental health disorder experience prolonged worry, sometimes for months. Their symptoms include sleeplessness, restlessness during the day, muscle tension, inability to concentrate, and irritability.
• Panic Disorder: Panic disorder patients have repeated attacks of extreme and sudden fear. These individuals experience heart palpitations, perspiration, trembling, and feelings that a tragedy is about to occur. They may respond by avoiding locations of past attacks, and worrying about possible future incidents.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: People who suffer from social anxiety disorder exhibit extreme self-consciousness around other people. They are afraid of offending others, and of being judged or humiliated. In social situations, they may experience nausea. This disorder is often described as social phobia.

These disorders may coexist with depression and other conditions. Treatment includes stress-management exercises and meditation, anxiety-specific psychotherapy or talk therapy, and support or self-help groups. Beta-blockers, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications that relieve depression can reduce symptoms, but they are not disorder cures.

The dedicated adult and child psychiatrists at Wiregrass Wellness Center are familiar with diagnosing anxiety disorders, and use a variety of treatment alternatives. These caring professionals take time to assess each patient’s condition and develop a specialized treatment plan to fit individual needs.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, seek help from a psychiatrist at Wiregrass Wellness Center. For more information or an appointment, call (334) 673-8869, or visit their website today.